BULLETIN OF THE MASSACI-IUSETTS ARCI-IAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

VOL. 26 NOS. 3 and 4 APRIL - JULY, 1965

CONTENTS Page THE BOATS SITE, EXCAVATION NO.2 EDWABD F. ROSE . 33 A BIRDSTONE RECOVERY IN RHODE ISLAND WILLIAM S. FoWLER 39 THE SEMAN SITE: A NEW YORK STATE EXCAVATION PJm..Ip W. JOHANNESSON AND A1mruR C. GLAMM, JR. 44 SIGNIFICANT CERAMIC PIPE RECOVERIES WILLIAM S. FOWLER 49 BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A SThATIFIED CONNECTICUT SITE BERNABD W. POWELL 53 DISCOVERY: AN IMPELLI G FORCE I RESEARCH EDITORIAL 64

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President Harold F. Nye Marion, Mass. First Vice President Donald C. Wilder 86 Brewster Avenue, South Braintree 85, Mass. Second Vice President William B. Brierly 9 Hawthorne Street, Millbury, Mass. Secretary Maurice Robbins Bronson Museum, Attleboro, Mass. Financial Secretary Mabel A. Robbins 23 Steere Street, Attleboro, Mass. Treasurer Arthur C. Staples Segreganset, Mass. Editor William S. Fowler Bronson Museum, Attleboro, Mass.

Trustees Society Officers and 2 Last PliS~ Presidents Walter Thomas, Jr. Edward G. Bielski Robert A. Martin Frank Kremp Robert E. Valyou George S. Gibb

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This is the Society's museum, 5th Floor of the 8 North Main Street Building, Attleboro, Mass. -Museum hours are from 9:30 to 4:30, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. For special arrangements to visit on other days, contact the Director, Maurice Robbins, or the Curator, William S. Fowler at the Society Office, Bronson Museum, Attleboro, Mass. The Museum includes exhibits of artifacts and seven dioramas portraying man's prehistoric occupation of New England. The displays are arranged so as to show man's development through four culture stages, from early post glacial times. The most recent diorama extends 15 feet across the front of the museum. It depicts an Archaic village of seven large and unique wigwams as indicated by their foundations, excavated at Assowampsett Lake by the Cohannet Chapter. Human figures to scale make the scene come alive and help create what unquestionably is an outstanding addition to our ever growing museum displays. This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society.

AN ADDITIONAL TYPE FOR THE PROJECTILE POINT CLASSIFICATION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Recently, it has come to our attention that a projectile point type, new to the New England area, has appeared at the Coburn site on Cape Cod, Society Bulletin, Vol. 22, #3 & 4 (Fig. 5, #10) and as illustrated. At the time of publication, its style was noted as possibly foreign, but since then certain Adena publications have given us a new outlook and a growing belief that this type, which we have named - Side-notched #8 - should be included in our classification.

In New York State, Ritchie's classification lists it as "Turkey Tail." In Mounds for the Dead, Dragoo refers to it as Side-notched, double-pointed blade or "turkey tail." He links it to the Red Ochre Culture of Illinois and adjoining states includ­ ing Ohio, where it is allied to the early phase of Adena of the Late Archaic. At the Coburn site, it was associated with the Full Groved ax and projectile point types of the Late Archaic of the Stone Bowl industrial epoch. Also, a suggested counterpart appeared at the Boats site in Dighton with deposits of red ochre and the Full Grooved ax. Therefore, it is being added to the Society's classification, with Late Archaic affiliation.

This point usually appears as a relatively large blade 5-6" long - although it might appear in shorter lengths. Its form is symmetrical and leaf-like with a point at both ends, the basal end being side-notched. This often occurs nearer the pointed base and with more definition than as shown by the Coburn site illustration - of red felsite. The chipping is uniformly done with meticulous care, which seems to be an outstanding trait.

~------_O'------'~"'~C~H'~_~e~------~------~ SIDE-NOTCHED #8. Tear out and aHach to your Implement Classifica­ tion Bulletin, Vol. 25, No. I. This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society. 33 THE BOATS SITE, EXCAVATION NO. 2

EDWARD F. ROSE

This site is situated at a well-known location, and Taunton on the west side of the Taunton river in where immense quantities of artifacts have been Dighton, Massachusetts (Fig. 1). Directly in front recovered as surface finds, over an extended period of and lying well out in the river is Grassy Island, excava­ a hundred years or more. The area has been under tion of which has already been reported some years cultivation for many generations, and during the last ago by Frederick Johnson of the R. F. Peabody Foun­ fifty years has suffered further disturbance. Along a dation of Andover. The land at the Boats site rises two or three hundred foot front, paralleling the Taun­ gradually from about a 10' elevation above tidewater ton River, dynamite removal of numerous large and levels off over most of the field, except for three boulders caused an upheaval of the area. This doubt­ low knolls. The center knoll, selected for Excavation less lifted early artifacts from low levels, and mixed No.2, as reported in this paper, has an elevation of them with those of later times, while the plow tended about 15' above tidewater. The knoll to the north ­ to spread them about the field. This may account for Excavation No.1 - composed mostly of gravel, was recovery of Archaic artifacts with those of Ceramic excavated previously by the writer and reported in: times indiscriminately scattered over the plowed field. "Five Unusual Caches at the Boats Site," Bulletin of Furthermore, in more recent days, power plowing to a the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Vol. 14, depth of 12" has evidently cut into remains of the Late No.4. Subsequently, these caches have been shown Archaic and lifted them to the surface. Private collec­ to be secondary cremation burials of the Late Archaic tions amounting to thousands of specimens apiece in the Stone Bowl industrial era. The third knoll to have come from this field, which acquired its name the south, not illustrated, is yet to be excavated at from several old scows, abandoned and sunk in river some future date. silt at one end of the plowed area. Due to comparatively recent discontinuation of The site lies about half way between Fall River surface cultivation of the field by the owner, Frank

a

Fig. 1. THE BOATS SITE, showing excavations Nos. 1 and 2. 34 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Dutra, permission was generously granted by him to that this paper is concerned primarily with a study of excavate in such a way, as to obtain as reliable evidence uncovered below junction, in which two information as possible about its former occupants. early cultures are well defined. From this it may be The writer gratefully acknowledges this grant to seen that the work of excavation was carefully con­ excavate, and since 1959, when operations started, has trolled, using accepted methods of operation. returned each summer to continue the work. He selected the central knoll, presumed to be the most ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRATIGRAPHY productive area, for excavation, since it was slightly As formerly noted, plow disturbance occupies higher than the others, and was somewhat removed about 12" of loam cover. Below its termination at from the boulder dynamiting, previously referred to. junction extends a heavy black occupational deposit He has carried on the excavation single handed on a another 12" in depth, probably, a mixture of much daily work basis, during a month's vacation each year, charcoal, decayed organic refuse, and sand. Directly except for valuable assistance received on numerous below this black layer, which varies in thickness to occasions from Elmer Wood, another Society member. some extent, occurs yellow sand subsoil to a depth of While only about a quarter of the knoll has been 12 or 15", underlaid by a deposit of clay silt. Artifacts excavated up to date, enough valuable evidence has appear sparsely, if at all in the loam, due to previous come to light to make a report seem desirable at extensive surface collecting, but occur in quantity this time. throughout the black occupational layer, with only a few appearing in the upper part of the yellow sand EXCAVATION METHODS subsoil. These may have been forced down by acci­ dental pressures at the bottom of the black layer, such Work was started on the river side of the knoll as that from foot trampling, or water erosion. with excavation being extended about a large boulder, one of four, which are so located as to mark the four After a study of artifact types as related to their corners of the knoll. The site was laid out in 5' occupational level, and correlation of them with squares, which were excavated by troweling' or its diagnostic culture traits from other well-documented equivalent with a sawed-off garden hoe; a total of sites in the area, culture zones become apparent. The about 5,000 sq. ft. has been excavated to date. Work Upper Zone consists of the plowed loam, which doubt­ of excavating was confined to 15" benches, each being less contains some artifacts out of place from lower troweled down across a square, thus exposing the zones, scooped up by the plow from underlying crests stratigraphic profile to view. This provided the means of high spots in occupational levels. The Middle Zone for measuring depths of artifacts. Proceeding in this lies directly below and consists of the upper 6" of the way, square after square was fully examined. When 12" black occupational layer, previously referred to. artifacts or features were encountered, measurements Underlying this is the Lower Zone, consisting of the were taken to the nearest inch. Depths were recorded remaining 6" of this black layer. Three culture periods, on field charts, indicating distance to the artifact from represented by diagnostic artifact types distributed top of ground, and from junction. This is the line of respectively in these zones, are: Ceramic (Wood­ demarcation separating soil formations below from land) - Upper Zone; Late Archaic (Stone Bowl) ­ the plowed loam cover above. Because of repeated Middle Zone; and Early Archaic - Lower Zone. plow action over the years, this line of separation is always clear cut, and so provided a well-defined base OCCUPATIONAL EVIDENCE line for determining culture relations of those artifacts While refuse pits probably exist in the black found below. occupational layer, apparently they have merged with the surrounding organic camp refuse to form this As an apparent result of intensive surface collect­ black layer, as it accumulated through the ages, and ing over the years, already mentioned, only an occa­ are therefore unrecognizable. Shell deposits in pits of sional recovery worth noting was made from the loam; the Ceramic upper zone are non existent. Doubtless, such artifacts as projectile points, drills, etc. had plowing over the years has scattered such shell refuse almost completely disappeared. Only those artifact throughout the loam. types found there, which did not appear below junc­ tion, were considered as belonging to this latest culture In the limited excavated area, so far examined, period. These will be listed further along with con­ Hammerstones and quantities of chips and worked spicuous absence of projectile points. They are not stock have been present, representing extensive occu­ illustrated, either for lack of sufficient number, or for pational activity. Also, firestones were scattered about failure to be significant due to mutilation from re­ while 4 stone hearths were uncovered in situ. Appear­ peated power plowing. Therefore, it will be noted ance of their stones was first noted at junction; their THE BOATS SITE, EXCAVAno NO.2 35

I r- c::: Here ~, .3 W:-~

Fig. 2. PROBLEMATICAL TRANSVERSELY GROOVED WEIGHTS, (S of 8 recovered near a stone hearth), Late Archaic Zone, Boats Site. unsorted masses extended several inches deeper. The An interesting feature exposed in the Middle Zone largest one, measuring about 6W in diameter, had a was connected with one of the smaller hearths. In heavy deposit of charcoal, but with no evidence of this one there was no charcoal, but lying about 12" calcined bone fragments. The charcoal remains ex­ distant were 8 transversely grooved weights (Fig. 2). tended some 12" into the yellow sand subsoil. In the They lay in more or less of a straight line, being spaced case of the other three smaller ones, measuring about about 3" apart. They are made of sandstone and 3' in diameter, masses of charcoal underlay two, but argillite cobbles with water-worn natural surfaces, reached only a short distance below. Evidently, these which show no signs of hammering or rubbing. The hearths belong to the Middle Zone, although one of centrally located transverse grooves are pecked with a their charcoal bases reached into the Lower Zone. pointed stone - peck marks are discernible - al­ Several disturbed areas 4 to 6' in diameter appeared, though an overall wear from either intentional grind­ in which streaks of yellow subsoil were mixed with the ing, or from functional use has smoothed their edges. black occupational deposit. They extended all the way Two of the weights (not illustrated) are flat, smaller down to the subsoil, and always occurred near a cobbles with the groove pecked on two opposite edges hearth. They yielded several artifacts, as will be noted only; evidently, their thickness was not sufficient to further along. accommodate grooving all around - their grooves 36 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY show wear like the others. Found among them were talked. In the second group appeared 11 more large 2 Small Triangular points of white (Juartz, and one rocks of a similar kind, laid in one or two rows, but Small Stem point of argillite. These grooved weights not so as to form enclosures like the first. should not be confused with the standard Grooved A unique artifact was recovered in preliminary weight type, with a pecked groove running longitudin­ test digging in the northern wooded area of the site, ally around the stone, of which one was recovered north of the brook. While it cannot be definitely placed from the Middle Zone (Fig. 5, #24).

Another unique inexplainable feature that ap­ peared in the Middle Zone consisted of 2 extensive groups of large rocks, each covering a fairly large area. In the first appeared one big boulder in its original glacial-laid position, about which were grouped 30 large rocks of various sizes and shapes of impure -;:~~2' granite. Apparently, they were man-placed, as they '-- 0••__....., .-.::-<:..,:;"'l!I!i:-'---' W'---' were arranged on one level so as to enclose three Fig. 3. FISH EFFIGY PENDANT, Boats Site. small areas, as if to outline small circular rooms. What as to its zone source, it is believed to belong to the they were used for is prohlematical, since this feature Middle Zone. However, since it was not found within is new to the writer, and to others with whom he has the limits of the middle knoll, the subject of this ,, ..., , \ I , ,, ,, ,'.\ , I\ , I \ , \ \ I• I, " \ I I " \ , ;

8 7

/'------I I I :, 9 ,, ,,------~-=== , , \ , \ , \ I \, I, \ \ , ,, \ , \ ", \ \,, " ...... , ... \', "\ , - -- II --- \ ,, \ ,, \ ' ...... --._------10 , ...... c;..... "" 8 2.__...... __.3 ~~

Fig. 4. EARLY ARCHAIC ZONE RECOVERIES, Boats Site. 1, Corner-removed #8, 2, Corner-removed /19, 3, Bifurcated, 4-6, long Eared Pro­ jectile Points; 7, Expanded Base Drill; 8, Classic Plummet; 9, leaf Knife; 10, 11, Ulus, 12, Comb·back Ulu, (out of context in disturbance). THE BOATS SITE, EXCAVATIO 0.2 37

( ( ,I I I ,J I ( I I I I I ,I ( I ( I ,( \ ....,---.... -

30 32. I r- c::...... ~ ~ 2...... __~" ;..;.,,.Jw=

Fog. 5. LATE ARCHAIC ZONE RECOVERIES, Boats Site. 1-5, Small Triangular, 6-8, Small Stem, 9-16, Eared, 17, Tapered Stem, 18·20, Corner­ removed #3, 21, Corner-removed #7 Projectile Points; 22, Stem Knife; 23, Stemless Knife; 24, Grooved Weight; 25, 27, Cross, 26, Eared, 28, Plain Drills; 29, Plain Gouge; 30, Celt; 31, 32, Clumsy Plummets. 38 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY report, it is being treated, only, as a related feature. ported in recent Bulletin issues of the Massachusetts It consists of a 3" fish effigy, perforated through the Archaeological Society. upper fin with a small hole for use as a pendant (Fig. With reference to frequency of projectile point 3). The stone from which it is made looks like sand­ types, it may be of interest to note that Small Triangu­ stone, and has several small circular surface irregulari­ lar points were the most numerous at the Boats site, ties, one of which is used for the eye. Unquestionably, amounting to about the same number as all other this is a rare recovery and one which deserves recogni- types put together. For the most part, they consist of tion in this report. . forms ascribed to the Late Archaic with convex lateral Of recovered stone artifacts in general there are sides. On the other hand, Small Stem points consist of about 1,000 specimens, some perfect and some frac­ about the sa.ne number, as any other type. In con­ tured, but all recognizable as to the type to which nection with these two kinds of points, it should be they belong. Grouping these types in their respective noted that they were all from the Middle Zone of the zones where found, and mentioning the earliest first, Late Archaic; none were found in the Lower Zone recoveries from the site support belief in an Early of the Early Archaic. An interesting Eared Point from Archaic period preceding that of the Late Archaic. the Middle Zone (Fig. 5, #14) is different in that its blade is definitely beveled. This trait is seldom found Lower Zone - Early Archaic (Fig. 4) contains among specimens in collections from this area. Long Eared, Corner-removed #8,9, and Bifurcated projectile points; Classic plummet; VIu; Expanded What caused the rather large soil disturbances in Base drill; Leaf knife. In examining this evidence the Middle Zone, appearing in each case near a stone more closely, it should be noted that the Bifurcated hearth, is not known. However, since they extended and Corner-removed #8 points, Leaf knife, and small from subsoil to junction, the level at which the hearths VIu comb-back fragment appeared in disturbed occurred, it seems probable that they may have been areas. However, all lay deep at the bottom of these connected in some way with construction of the disturbances, except the small Ulu fragment. This was hearths. Since all artifacts diagnostic of the Early recovered just under junction. Apparently, this frag­ Archaic in these disturbances appeared at the bottom ment was out of context, since the other Ulu half in the Lower Zone, except the Ulu comb-back frag­ sections from three knives were present in undisturbed ment, it would seem probable they were not out of areas at the bottom of the Lower Zone. One of these context; may never have been dislodged to any great ground slate Vlus measured W' in thickness at its base, extent from their original position of deposition. while the others had only a thin W' blade. When consideration is given to the grooved Middle Zone - Late Archaic (Fig. 5) embraces weight feature, in which 8 transversely grooved cob­ Eared, Side-notched, Tapered Stem, Corner-removed bles appeared, no logical explanation comes readily to #3,7, (incI. broad blades), Small Triangular, and Small mind. Although their position might, at first sight, sug­ Stem projectile points; Clumsy plummet; Grooved gest use as net sinkers, more careful analysis would weight; Stem and Stemless knives; Celt; Plain gouge; seem to reject this interpretation. The commodious T, Cross, Eared, and Plain drills - no Grooved ax has deep grooving around their centers would have been yet appeared, although several· were recovered in much more than was needed for attachment to nets, Excavation No.1. Of these traits, one Stemless knife to say nothing of the obvious wear appearing in the appeared, apparently out of context at the bottom of a grooves. Such worn surfaces could not have been disturbed area. made by anything as soft as thongs used for net ties, or for hafting, had they been used as clubs. Instead, Upper Zone - Ceramic (not illustrated) contains such wear must certainly have been caused from fric­ evidence not found below including, Hatchet club, tion against some hard object, such as wood, bone, or Corn-planter, Side-notched weights (chipped), and stone. Whether deliberate or functional this would potsherds in small fragments, as a result of plow preclude their use as net sinkers, which, instead, are destruction. believed to be represented by chipped Side-notched CONCLUSION weights. Such artifacts appeared in the Upper Zone, which supports the belief, as formerly postulated in Recoveries from Excavation No.2, so far, reveal certain earlier reports, that the taking of fish in nets many diagnostic implement types, similar to those was a fishing technique, not of the Archaic Age, but found at other sites in the Narragansett Bay drainage. acquired much later in Ceramic times. Their stratigraphic position at the Boats site tends to support the same culture sequence as found at other Editor's Note: Correlation of the Boats site evi­ sites, notably, Mill River and Washakumaug, as re- dence with that at other sites in the Narragansett Bay This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society.

A BIRDSTONE RECOVERY I RHODE ISLAND 39

drainage reveals much similarity. For example, at Sudbury River drainage, in which this same culture Mill River site, Bulletin of the Massachusetts trait sequence is indicated, plus appearance of Classic Archaeological Society, Vol. 24, No.2, Late Archaic plummet and Ulu in the underlying Early Archaic remains layover those of the Early Archaic. Eared, zone, and this Archaic sequence, appearing now Corner-removed #7, Small Triangular, and Small again at the Boats site, supports the validity of using Stem points; Clumsy plummet; Plain, Cross, and T it as an Archaic pattern, separating its two ages. drills; and Stemless knife overlay, Corner-removed Long Beach, California #5,8,9, and Bifurcated points; and Leaf knife. Add to this, evidence from the W'ashakumaug site in the August 27, 1963

A BIRDSTONE RECOVERY IN RHODE ISLAND

WILLIAM S. FOWLER

The following evidence is recorded as told to the neck are carefully drilled holes, which slope obliquely author by Charles R. Potter of Wakefield, Rhode toward each other, and perforate the base a short way Island, who had the good fortune of recovering a in from both ends. The stone material is in a perfect Birdstone by excavation, associated with important state of preservation with no signs of having been sub­ culture diagnostics. Analyses and conclusions are jected to fire or other kinds of erosion. those of the author. PIT #1 During the summer of 1959, a large plowed field planted to potatoes in Charlestown, Rhode Island, was searched by Potter for aboriginal remains. The field was removed some distance from the shore of Long Island Sound, but lay close by a fresh water pond. A careful hunt over all of the field revealed the presence of no stone artifacts of any kind, not even a chip or fire stone. However, at one place Potter's attention was attracted to a large spot, which was covered with charcoal. This was enough to impress him with the importance of finding out through excavation what lay beneath. Biding his time until the potato crop was harvested, he obtained permission to excavate from the owner. Digging carefully with trowel and shovel, and after days of labor, he exposed a large pit about 6 x 8 feet in size, and 4 feet deep. Its archaeological significance may best be understood by an examination and interpretation of the recovered artifacts. The first artifact uncovered, in the upper part of the pit and toward one edge, was a polished Birdstone (Fig. 6, #1). It is expertly fashioned of banded slate in various shades of gray, with some bands approach­ ing black. Skillful use of bands in the vicinity of the bird's head has produced life-like eyes on both sides. 3 These take the place of projecting stone knobs found 2 L..- ' __--"__: -'-,':""~-C=!":-H,:"":::,.....,,..~·_----,----,,3__---:.;\\F..J on most Birdstones, which produce the appearance of Fig. 6. ARTIFACTS, Pit #1, Charlestown, Rhode Island. I, Bridstone; bulging eyes. Under the upright tail and beneath the 2, Gorget; 3, Side-notched #5 Projectile Point. 40 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

As excavation proceeded downward, charcoal was It measures 20" long from lug to lug, and 12" deep, ever present but no signs of powdered red ochre were and its rim edge is notched all around, obviously for noticed. Mixed among the charcoal appeared bits of the purpose of decoration. Of the 2 small restored calcined bone, of which several larger fragments were bowls (Fig. 7, #2,3), both about 7" long and 2" deep, preserved for future study. They have now been one has two lugs, the other only one. The latter vessel identified as human at the Bronson Museum, where is not a bowl like the former, but rather a drinking they were found to match in every detail calcined cup, with a thinned edge at the end opposite the lug bone fragments from Wapanucket 6 site, previously or handle to facilitate the drinking of liquids. analyzed at Harvard University as being burned In among the bowl fragments appeared one per­ human bone, coming from various parts of the human fect ground slate Gorget, not fire-burned (Fig. 6, #2). skeleton. Also, there was present the shattered remains of an­ Located among this mixture of charcoal and other beautiful maple sugar brown specimen, highly burned bone appeared important artifacts having polished, but fire-cracked and completely demolished. widely accepted diagnostic culture significance. These Besides these there were recovered 18 perfect pro­ have gone a long way toward providing information jectile points of the Side-notched and Eared types, about the age and probable use of the pit. What is many of which seemed fire-burned, as well as 2 larger more important, they have established a probable Side-notched #5 blades, 4-5" long, exceptionally well culture relation for the Birdstone trait. made and apparently not fire-burned, one of which of Broken into many pieces appeared the t:emains of black porphyry is illustrated (Fig. 6, #3). One Celt 7 stone bowls made of steatite (soapstone). Some of occurred, which was broken in two, presumably from the fragments showed signs of having been burned in fire exposure. Besides these artifacts, there were a hot fire; were charred black all over. They did not quantities of broken projectile points, probably fire always come from the bottom of bowls, but from casualties. They were scattered throughout the pit. upper areas as well having no connection with the Great importance should be attached to the base. Of the 7 bowls, one large and two small ones remains found at the pit's bottom, for it is from them have been completely restored, with the remaining that the age and probable use of the pit may be ones only partially restored. Of these, there are two deduced. Spread over the pit's Hoor were 15 or 20 more large bowls and two small ones. All appear to be ure-burned cobblestones. Deterioration due to expo­ well made with relatively thin walls, scraped smooth sure to extreme heat was so advanced in some that inside and out. They compare favorably with those they disintegrated when picked up. Lying over them recovered at Lakeville, Massachusetts, at the Hawes was a thick layer of charcoal, through which and site, Society Bulletin, Vol. 23, Nos. 3 & 4. scattered among the stones appeared small fragments Examination of the restored bowls reveals rela­ of burned bone, presumed to be human like those tively large proportions for the big bowl (Fig. 7, #1). pieces identified, already referred to.

fig. 7. RESTORED STONE BOWLS, Pit #1, Charlestown, Rhode Island. A BIRDSTO E RECOVERY IN RHODE ISLAND 41

To discover the meaning of this pit, reference to be argued that this pit represents a combination of site remains at the Mansion Inn site in Wayland, Mas­ crematory and secondary burials. That is to say, after sachusetts, (Society Bulletin, Vol. 23, No.1), seems the body was burned with some stone artifacts thrown desirable. At that station a nearly parallel experience onto the pyre, secondary burial rites were performed to that of Potter's took place. An 8 x 10 ft. area at the edge of the crematory, with. new artifacts blackened by charcoal was noticed in a bulldozed lot, placed on top of the burned remains. This would then which was subsequently excavated. It proved to be account for the undamaged Birdstone and other per­ about 4 feet deep from the top of undisturbed soil, fectly preserved projectile blades, appearing in the and contained the remains of what was demonstrated upper part of the pit. to have been a human crematory. Heavy deposits of A significant observation to be made is the close charcoal, some calcined bone fragments presumed to association of Birdstone and stone bowls in the same be human, and many large fire-burned knives and pro­ pit. While this might seem to place a coeval stamp jectile points were encountered. They consisted of upon them, it does not necessarily follow that manufac­ diagnostic types of the Late Archaic, including, Eared, ture of both were contemporaneous. A similar manifes­ Side-notched, and Tapered Stem. With them were tation occurred in a previous recovery reported many recovered 2 Full Grooved axes. However, unlike the years ago in 1840 at East Windsor, Connecticut. A Potter find were secondary burial pits located around pit deposit, presumably a secondary burial, was the crematory, in one of which was a stone bowl with uncovered at this location and is said to have con­ lugs. These recoveries indicate the Late Archaic of the tained a Birdstone and a stone bowl of steatite. stone bowl industrial age as the culture responsible for this crematory and burials. Evidently, as is becoming PIT #2 increasingly apparent, the Stone Bowl Makers of Late Archaic time~ practiced cremation with ceremonial In the same field with crematory pit #1, Potter rites being performed, accompanied by the redeposit came upon another charcoal-strewn area, but some­ of artifacts and burned remains in secondary burials. what smaller in size. It lay at some distance from pit #1 in another part of the field, and from all outward In addition to the above, it is important to men­ appearances seemed to have little or no connection tion other burial manifestations, which have appeared with it. Upon excavation, it proved to be a pit meas­ over the past number of years at Holyoke and South uring about 5 feet in diameter, which reached only Hadley, Massachusetts in the Connecticut River about 2)~ feet in depth. It contained some charcoal, Valley. At these locations several burials appeared, but not as much as the first pit, and there were no containing grave goods, which, while apparently con­ fire-burned stones at the bottom. Scattered throughout nected to the Stone Bowl Age by virtue of the presence the pit were calcined bone fragments, some of which of a stone bowl with lugs, also included exotic relics have the appearance of being animal, although certain such as Blocked-end tubular pipes of fireclay. small fragments may be human, as found for pit #1. (indurated clay), copper spike, copper ear ornament, Pit #2 contained a number of deer antler tines irregu­ Rolled copper beads, Marginella shell beads, and larly broken off about 1" in length. It is possible that Conch columella tubular beads, all diagnostics of the these may represent the burned remains of tine pro­ Ohio Adena culture. Years before, at Swanton, Ver­ jectile points, although no hand-worked markings mont, appeared secondary burials with much red appear on their surfaces. ochre. They contained Adena relics, including 2 Birdstones. This is significant, since the Birdstone ­ Certain stone artifacts were scattered throughout a recognized diagnostic of Adena - is present in Pot­ the pit. They include the fractured parts of 3 large ter's Charlestown recovery. Gorgets, a large Stem knife of fine grained light gray felsite (Fig. 8, #1), 4 Side-notched #5 projectile With these examples in mind, interpretation of points, and many broken ones. These artifacts appear Potter's discovery seems to suggest a crematory and a to have been fire-burned, some more than others. The cremation burial or burials combined in the same pit. large Stem knife, thin and expertly made, shows only Apparently, here had once existed a crematory placed slight, if any evidence of heat deterioration - a a foot or two in the ground, the surface of which at debatable question at best in a case of this kind. that time was at a somewhat lower level than now. With the passage of millennia the present loam cover It seems significant that in the pit appeared 2 has been added, and with present day deep plowing, broken stone vessels of steatite. While the number of charcoal has been lifted to the surface from the top of recovered fragments were insufficient to effect a com­ the subsoil. Because the Birdstone and some of the plete restoration of the bowls, enough appeared to stone blades showed no signs of fire exposure, it may establish the fact that they were shallow, of medium 42 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY size, and without lugs. They may have been used as This evidence from pit #2 seems suspiciously deep dishes in which meals were served. Along with suggestive of a secondary burial from some crematory these stone bowls occurred the broken remains of a pyre. While this appears to be the most likely con­ ceramic pot (Fig. 8, #2). These potsherds were mixed clusion to be deduced, it does not follow that crema­ with the stone bowl fragments and with other artifacts, tory pit #1 was the source. Separation from it of pit #2 and therefore all must be considered to be coeval. by hundreds of feet might suggest a more conveni­ However, this admission does not necessarily imply ently placed crematory closer to this burial pit, still contemporary existence for the stone bowl and ceramic lying undiscovered below the plow. Nevertheless, industries. On the contrary, as is pointed out further there is a suggestion of the two excavated pits being along, all available evidence supports separation of culturally related because of the presence of stone these industries, although overlapping of products of bowls as well as similarity of side-notching noticed on the earlier into the later one is always possible - in the large blades found in each. Besides this, each pit fact should be expected as a normal occurrence. contained Gorgets, and the stone bowls in each were deliberately broken. Dissimilarity lies in the presence of potsherds in pit #2, and their absence in pit #l. However, as will be shown in the conclusion, this difference instead of suggesting culture separation of the two pits, may tend to support the same culture source for each, but with deposition of each separated by a period of time. Bearing upon this investigation, it is important to note the separation of stone bowl making from that of ceramics, as shown at the Ragged Mountain stone bowl quarry rock-shelter in Connecticut. There, the remains of both industries were divided by a sterile layer of soil. Breakage of 5 small Stage 2 and 3 ceramic pots occurred in the top layer, at a much later date than that of stone bowl remains, which lay below. In no case did potsherds intrude into the earlier stone bowl zone. At Sweet-Meadow Brook site in Rhode Island, Stage 1 potsherds appeared over the Stone Bowl zone of occupation. Furthermore, at five sites yielding Late Archaic cremation remains ­ Wapanucket 6, Mansion Inn, Coburn, Hawes, and Boats - no potsherds appeared, although stone bowls at four and Late Archaic artifacts at all five did. And finally, at no stone bowl quarry, other than as ex­ plained at Ragged Mountain, have potsherds occurred in quarry workings. Therefore, it seems evident that '- .__~_=~~=-=;_;;_~-..,-----\lF~ making of clay pots must have taken place at a later Fig. 8. ARTIFACTS, Pit #2, d,:.Je';to-;';' Rhode Island. I, Stem Knife; date, and was not coeval with stone bowl making. 2, Profile '12" Ceramic Pot (Restored Rim Section). Examination of those sherds which were con­ What then can be said to explain the presence of tiguous, enabling restoration of a rim and neck section 2 stone bowls in pit #2, broken into many pieces and of the ceramic pot, reveals a large vessel with propor­ mixed with sherds from a ceramic pot? If this is con­ tions that can only be guessed at. However, from the sidered to manifest the overlapping of local industries restored section certain traits may be readily observed. of the area, then it would seem proper to find remains It has unusually massive uniform walls, W' thick, with of a Stage 1 pot with cord-marking inside and out. But a cord-marked flat rim. Cord-marking covers the the pot found in pit #2 has a plain interior with cord­ exterior, while the interior is plain. Attention is at marking only on its outside. However, since its ware is once focused upon the extreme size of crushed quartz thick and it has coarse mineral temper with a straight used for temper, with particles varying in size up to neck, it probably represents a product of early ceramic J~" in width. The pot's neck is straight, and it has no days. Perhaps, what appears here is an importation of design embellishment, only the overall cord-marking either the pot itself, or new ceramic ideas by new already mentioned. arrivals of people from culture centers outside New A BIRDSTONE RECOVERY IN RHODE ISLAND 43

England. This might indicate culture diffusion during migrants, and from there subsequent movement north­ early ceramic times, while a few remaining stone ward took place. Eventually, this would have brought bowls were still in use, carried over from stone bowl Adena travelers up the coast and rivers, such as the industrial times. Delaware, Hudson, and Connecticut, into New York CONCLUSION and New England. Allowing for the passage of time In trying to explain the meaning of the several required for this long trek, it may have been A.D. 200 features connected with the two pits as outlined before entry was made onto coastal sites, like that at above, the Birdstone alone of all the relics points sus­ Charlestown, R. 1. By then, stone bowl making had piciously toward an Adena association of some kind. either terminated - advent of ceramics into New This stone trait is known to have been an important England occurred about A.D. 300 - or was drawing element of the Adena culture of Ohio, which is thought to a close, with the new method of making pots of clay to have been responsible for its introduction into the taking its place. Northeast. In view of this, pit #1 might have a date of about Reference here is made to a recent report by A.D. 100, when the first Adena arrivals were being William A. Ritchie and Don W. Dragoo, entitled, absorbed by an industrial culture, whose stone bowls The Eastern Dispersal Of Adena, with a synopsis of were the only kind of vessels being used. This might their conclusion. Since recoveries in the East have have happened, even though in Ohio the introduction often included significant Adena-made objects, such of ceramics had already taken place hundreds of years as Tubular pipes and Birdstones, the question arises as before, and was well advanced by A.D. 100; knowl­ to how and why they arrived. What would have edge of ceramics could have been lost along the way caused Adena people to have left their Ohio homeland with the extensive passage of years and the resistance to journey east into the unknown? Apparently, from from entrenched alien cultures. excavated evidence now available from the Ohio area Pit #2, on the other hand, might represent a later the answer to this question is that internal strife or date of about A.D. 400, when ceramic pots were being outside force, or a combination of both factors, drove made in place of stone bowls. By then new Adena some of the people from the Ohio Valley. When the arrivals doubtless were b~inging in ceramic ideas of cause of this disruption is sought, an apparent move­ their own, and introducing new pottery styles. The ment of Hopewell people from Illinois into the area thick ware of this pit's vessel with coarse mineral seems to supply a clue. Evidently, here was a more temper has some traits of early Adena pottery, which elaborate mortuary cult dictated by new commanding is often quite thick without decoration. forces pressing in upon an alien people, which may Because Adena Birdstone, Boatstone, and Tubular have tended to dominate and change existing customs. pipe traits do not appear as a part of New England's The suspicion seems clear that any such inter­ Ceramic Age, it seems apparent that the Adena tradi­ ference with a well established form of ceremonials tion failed to impress itself upon the established cul­ would have precipitated a state of social and cultural ture of the area. Apparently, it was but one of several turmoil within Adena. However, only part of the culture influences from the outside, which pressed in people, those with more independent leanings, would upon the coastal people, causing only minor changes have elected to move out, leaving a sizable portion of here or there without effecting any sweeping culture Adena people under the domination of the new transformation. Thus, while pit #2 seems Adena, con­ Hopewell overlords. It is presumed that those indi­ nected with pit #1, it probably represents a much viduals in the Adena social and religious hierarchy later deposition in the final stages of Adena infiltration, would have found the situation intolerable, and while still a few left-over stone bowls from earlier would have chosen, or perhaps have been forced to times were in use. leave the area. Finally, appearance in both pits of broken stone In Maryland, two sites with concentration of vessels is suggestive of Adena mortuary rites, which Adena evidence are excellent examples of the presence embrace this significant feature. Furthermore, both there of ceremonial leaders, who took with them their the Adena and Stone Bowl cults practiced cremation. prized possessions, when they fled the Ohio Valley. Because of this it is interesting to speculate that Radiocarbon dates of three charcoal samples from the merger of Adena with the culture of its adopted New Adena burial site at West River, Anne Arundel England home might not have been too difficult, with County, Md. are the only eastern Adena dates now the mortuary custom of cremation forming a sym­ available. These Carbon-14 measures approximate pathetic link. 75 B.C., A.D. 255, and A.D. 325. It is believed prob­ Attleboro, Mass. able that Maryland may have received the-first Adena - - June 13, 1963 This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society. 44 THE SEMAN SITE: A NEW YORK STATE EXCAVATION

PmLIP W. JOHANNESSON AND ARTUR C. GLAMM, JR.

This site report is written with the intent of Acknowledgment and thanks are due Mr. and presenting artifact data from an adjoining region to Mrs. Joshua Seman of Rochester, New York, the own­ ew England of primary interest, it would seem, to ers of the property, for their permission to excavate the Massachusetts archaeology. It permits a correlation site. Also, thanks go to Miss Nora Leahey, a resident of artifact types with those found in New England, of the area, for her interest and knowledge of local which lies at the end of trade and migration routes occupation sites. from the Mohawk Valley and nearby areas. THE SITE The Seman site, Sdy-120, is located on the west The Seman site, located on a small point of land shore of Ballston Lake, New York, north of Schenec­ on the west shore of Ballston Lake, lies approximately tady. It is in a campsite area, known to have been 9 feet above lake level, and as such, is one of the few used by peoples in the Late Archaic, Woodland loci on the lake having such a noticeable elevation. The (Ceramic), and Proto-Historic Iroquois culture site area presents an excellent vantage point from periods, as they traversed the trail from the Mohawk which to view the lake, extending to some 3}~ miles in River north along the Alplaus Creek, and thence length, allowing a sight to the northern end of the north and northeast to Saratoga Lake, the Hudson lake, and for a distance of over a mile to the south. Valley and beyond. Ballston Lake has long been recognized as being on

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THE SEMAN SITE: A NEW YORK STATE EXCAVATION 45 the trail leading from the Mohawk River at Rexford­ STRATIGRAPHY Alplaus, north along the Alplaus Creek to the lake It appears certain that this site has never seen and thenc~ north and northeast to Saratoga Lake and the plow, since boulders and large stones often the Hudson Valley (Fig. 9). Also, further travel east extended from the shale stratum up to and in some up the Hoosick Valley is known to have existed, which places protruded through the sod, which must have provided a means of entry into New England. prevented plowing. Invariably, excavation revealed The area adjacent to the site proper borders the that there was no black humus under these large lake shore for some 220 ft., and extends away from the rocks, although usually it surrounded them. This bank for a distance of about 50 ft. Most of the site, seems to indicate that many of the rocks had never excavated, lies where formerly existed the lawn of the been displaced from their original positions, where Seman camp, so that some artifacts were recovered the post glacial Mohawk River had deposited them. under the remains of this camp. A black sandy layer of soil, the humus, extends from grass roots to an average depth of 10 inches. GEOLOGY OF AREA Directly below is a layer of shaly clay made up of Geologically, Ballston Lake is a part of the re­ decomposed shale. This has a maximum depth of 14 mains of the early post-glacial Mohawk River, prior to inches. Artifacts appeared in both of these layers, and its diversion into the Hudson River at the Aqueduct in many instances along side of glacial rocks and Cliffs at Rexford, New York. Torrential waters flowed boulders, as well as in crevices between adjacent out of glacial Algonquin Lake and gouged out the site stones. The greatest depth of any recovered artifact area. Today this is indicated by the presence of shale, was 17 inches from grass roots, protruding 7 inches which reaches up at the site almost to junction, where into the decomposed shale. it becomes decomposed into a layer of shaly clay. Glacial boulders are in evidence throughout the site Examination of artifact content of the site dis­ area, imbedded in the shaly clay deposit. They lie closes that typologically, the Upper Zone represents scattered about, and most of them show signs of never two cultures: Proto-Historic and Woodland (Ceramic). having been moved from their original foundations by The Lower Zone contains artifacts having diagnostic the site's occupants. The humus overburden is ex­ traits of the Late Archaic. Justification for the Upper tremely black and rich in a mixture of organic matter Zone cultures is derived from the presence in this and charcoal. Quite obviously, it represents an accu­ stratum of some 140 potsherds of various stages of mulation deposited during occupation of the site. This ceramic development. .In addition, there occurred is discussed more extensively later in the report. artifacts having important associated traits diagnostic of the times such as Large Triangular and Iroquois METHODS OF EXCAVATION AND RECORDING points, as well as Sinewstone. The Lower Zone has In preparation for the dig, a base line with 5 ft. been diagnosed as Late Archaic due to the presence grids was established over the central portion of the there of Normanskill (Side-notched #5) points, which site; an area of approximately 11,000 sq. ft. - only appeared at and below junction. This type of point part of which was excavated. This bordered the lake has been Carbon-14 dated from associated organic bank. Throughout the dig, vertical excavation was matter at a New York State site - not reported in carried down and into the decomposed shale by print as yet - at about 3,850 years ago. successive bench troweling. The line of demarcation OCCUPATIONAL EVIDENCE where humus meets the underlying shaly clay is Note: As an aid to a better understanding of the identified in this report as junction. Above this line in evidence by members of both the Massachusetts humus is the stratum, which will be referred to as the Archaeological Society and the New York State Upper Zone, while directly below, the stratum in shaly Archaeological Federation, who may read this report, clay will be called the Lower Zone. Vertical and classified names of artifact types and cultures of the horizontal positions of all artifacts were measured and Massachusetts Society are placed in brackets directly recorded to the nearest inch. Vertical distances were after Ritchie's New York State terms. This will serve measured from top of humus at grass roots to the to indicate similarities that are believed to exist be­ exposed artifact. Grid sheets were used for each tween areas west and east of the Hudson River into excavated square, and all pertinent features and soil New England. stratigraphy were documented on these sheets. In addition, information such as soil texture and contents Stone Hearths. Several hearths of the Upper were also recorded on the grid sheet backs, so that as Zone appeared at, or slightly above junction. Their complete a record as possible of excavated evidence sizes varied from 1-3 ft. in diameter, and they were was taken. noted to have irregular scattered placements of stones 46 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

in somewhat circular patterns. Large pieces of char­ refuse pits of any consequence did not exist within coal were not in evidence, but Becks and small pieces the excavated area. All animal bones, which were were numerous. It is assumed that all these hearths found, especially those accumulated in bunches, were are associated with the Woodland (Ceramic) and well preserved. Doubtless, this good state of preserva­ Proto-Historic culture periods, due to the absence of tion was due to the alkaline condition of the soil, Late Archaic artifacts in any hearth. However, some brought about by the leaching of lime from the over­ may have been made by the Late Archaics, who ap­ lying layers of clamshell refuse. parently lived at and below junction. There were several instances where definite pockets of fire-burnt Shelters. Of the 32 features recorded, perhaps bone were found at junction within these hearths. Evi­ the most significant consisted of a 10 ft. diameter dence of clamshell refuse within the vicinity of these semi-circle of large rocks. In this enclosure appeared pockets of bone were either lacking, or very sparse; a 3 ft. diameter stone hearth with an accumulation of might have been intrusive from the Upper Zone. fire-burned stones. Charcoal appeared only within the There, shell refuse of fresh water clams was concen­ fire-burned stone area; not between this and the trated to indicate a shellfish diet for the people of this semi-circle of rocks. Artifacts of the Late Archaic to upper level of occupation. Therefore, it seems prob­ Early Woodland period occurred in the space between able that the bone refuse just referred to was the ring of rocks and the hearth. This feature seems deposited by a hunter type culture, at a time of merger to suggest that it might have been a wind break of between Late Archaic and Woodland before shellfish skins held down by the large rocks, with the hearth in eating had started. front for warmth and cooking purposes. The fact that the semi-circle of rocks faced west, the direction of Refuse Pits. Several features thought to be open the prevailing wind, seems to support this hypothesis. hearths may have been refuse pits. Other than these, it was impossible to ascertain whether other small Shell Midden. A second major feature is a shell discolored depressions were man-made pits, or just midden bordering the bank of the lake and located natural fill-in contours left by freshets, which Bowed approximately 50 ft. south of the last excavated in among the rocks. Consequently, it is assumed that square. This midden seems to be associated with the

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Fig. 11. WOODLAND (CERAMIC) AND PROTO-HISTORIC IMPLEMENTS, UPPER ZONE, Seman Site. 14, Iroquois (Small Triangular) S-9, Madison (Small Triangular), 10, Jack'. Reef Corner-notched (Corner notched), 11, 12, Mead"w Wood (Side-notched ItT), 12-17, Levanna (Large Triangular) 18-20, Orient Fishtail (Side-notched #6), 2S, 26, Jack'. Reef Pentagonal (Tapered Sfem) Points; 21-24, Drills; 27, Flake Scraper; 28, 29, Stem Scraper; 30, Sinew.tone; 31, 32, St.ml••• Knife; 33, Rubbingstone; 34, Fi.hhook 8arb of bone; 35-37, Net Sinker (Side-notched Weight). 48 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY evidence from the site, although at the time of this Upper Zone - Woodland (Ceramic), and Proto­ writing, the midden has not been excavated except for Historic (Fig. 11) - embraces the following imple­ a test trench. This was dug at right angles to the lake ment types: Madison, Iroquois (Small Triangular), shore and through the midden. Clamshells were Levanna (Large Triangular), Jack's Reef Pentagonal usually in an unfractured state, but immediately dis­ (Tapered Stem), Jack's Reef Corner-notched (Corner­ integrated, if not handled carefully. The artifact notched), Orient Fishtail (Side-notched #6), Meadow content of the test trench consisted of several Net Wood (Side-notched #7) points; Sinewstone; Stem, Sinkers (Side-notched weights), 3 Levanna (Large and Flake scrapers; Stem, and Stemless knives; 3 drill Triangular) points, 2 pieces of probable worked bone, types; Net Sinker (Side-notched weight); worked bone and several unidentifiable potsherds. Their texture fishhook prong; Hammerstone. seems to signify that they may belong to Late Point Pottery. Potsherds from the Upper Zone include Peninsula (Stage 2) and Iroquois (Stage 4) ceramic recognizable rim and neck sherds of the following periods. periods of ceramic development: Point Peninsula Implements. Altogether, there were 253 speci­ (Stage 2); Owasco (Stage 3); Chance Horizon (Stage 3 mens recovered - projectile points were mostly of merging with Stage 4); and Iroquois (Stage 4) (Fig 12). flint - pedect and fractured, but recognizable as belonging to various classified types. A selected num­ CONCLUSION ber divided between the two zones of occupation have Reviewing the evidence, there are certain aspects been illustrated. The total list of types represented in that have an interesting bearing upon the archaeology the collection from both zones appears below. of the Northeast, especially as it applies to New Eng­ Lower Zone - Late Archaic (Fig. 10) - includes land. That is to say, there seems to be some similarity the .following implement types: Normanskill (Side­ between cultures and recovered artifacts found to be notched #5), Bare Island (Corner-removed #1) points; present at the Seman site and those that exist on New fractured end of a pestle-type unknown; Chipped ax England sites, as reported in numerous issues of the of flint. Bulletin of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society.

.3 1.- ---:0 .,.,L..~...,..".c...~...,.."."'-::..,-· ------'--.....:.------.....:.---' Fi,. 12. RIM SHERDS REVEALING POnERY TYPES, UPPER ZONE, S.m.n Sit.. 1, Point P.ninsul. (St.g. 2); 2, Ow.sco (St.g. 3); 3, Ch.nce Horizon (St.,. 3 mer,ln, with St.,. 4); 4, Iroquois (St.,. 4). This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society. SIGNIFICANT CERAMIC PIPE RECOVERIES 49

For example, at the Seman site its earliest culture (Stage 4). That there was contact with areas to the occupation has been shown to be that which is called east of the Hudson is borne out by such pottery Normanskill in New York State, but which equates similarities, as indicated in brackets for New England closely with New England's Late Archaic, its Stone pottery, showing three of its development stages. Bowl industrial age. While stone bowl quarries, ap­ Apparently, Vinette 1 (Stage 1) is absent. parently are absent west of the Hudson, they occur in In the site's Upper Zone is still another significant central and southern New England, and have done feature connecting western areas with those to the much to help identify Late Archaic artifact traits. east. In this zone appears abundant evidence of shell­ Therefore, it seems important to note a Carbon-14 fish-eating by the Ceramic occupants, while there is a date for the Normanskill culture, as already men­ definite lack of it in the Lower Zone of the Late tioned~ of about 3,850 years ago. Archaic. This would appear to indicate that shellfish As evidence is examined upward at the Ballston were added to the diet during ceramic days, not Lake site, a change of artifact traits and features seems before. This is the same conclusion that has been to indicate evidence of occupation by a later people deduced from evidence at numerous New ,England with certain new customs and implements. Among sites. This adds one more link to the culture chain them appears Orient Fishtail ( Side-notched #6) connecting areas immediately west and east of the points, which are considered to represent a period of Hudson. merger between Normanskill and Woodland (Cera­ From this it appears probable that the network of mic) times, both west, as well as east of the Hudson trails known to have existed in Iroquois days, as shown all the way to the coast. Also, the appearance in the by the site map, doubtless were made and used Upper Zone at the site of a considerable number of hundreds of years earlier. They provided at least one Levanna (Large Triangular) points and side-notched means of contact with New England from the Ballston net sinkers equates well with Ceramic zones in New Lake area. By this route, as well as others no doubt, England. Another feature of the Upper Zone, which ideas are thought to have flowed in an easterly direc­ ties in closely with evidence to the east is the freqQent tion during ceramic times, and maybe before, which occurrence of potsherds, indicating the presence of seems to be supported by the evidence presented in ceramics as a dominant factor in the life of its occu­ this paper. pants. Ceramic development is in evidence from Point Peninsula #1 (Stage 2) through Owasco (Stage Attleboro, Mass. 3), and continues through Chance Horizon to Iroquois October 10, 1963

SIGNIFICANT CERAMIC PIPE RECOVERIES

WILUAM S. FOWLER

The following evidence in Part 1, recounting the PART 1 finding of two ceramic pipes, is recorded by the During the late fall of 1961, Donald Scothorne author, as told to him by Donald G. Scothorne, who happened to be fishing along the coast in Scituate, was most fortunate in making this discovery, since it Massachusetts, when he noticed a considerable rock adds important facts concerning ceramic pipe making formation some distance back from the shore. At to those already gathered from other sites. once, his archaeological curiosity got the best of his In Part 2 is an account by the author of evidence fishing intentions, and dropping line and rod he as related to him by another Society member, Ruth I. walked over to the mass of rocks. Derby, who made a valuable acquisition of two large They consisted of granite outcrops in various size ceramic pipes, which were recovered along with groups, which jutted out of the ground in such a way significant associated evidence. as to form a commodious opening about 30 feet wide. Analyses and conclusions relating to these separate On both sides of it, rock outcrops extended up about recoveries are those of the author. 10 or more feet to form what migpt have been used as 50 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY habitation walls. On the floor of the opening, broken neck and collar remains of 2 pots. They have sig­ shell remains were in evidence, which, more than nificant traits, including 2W' collars, castellations (indi­ anything else, convinced Scothorne that here people cated in the case of one at least), and collar design had once lived. In fact, they could have made a rock treatments (Fig. 13, #3,4). Fortunately, the collar shelter from the existing rock walls, with pole supports sherds from each pot respectively, when held closely for a roof and lean-to of some kind. together, as illustrated - although not contiguous, Thinking that digging might prove what his present the well-known contour of Stage 4 collars. instinct only led him to believe, he brought the neces­ One is decorated with line dentate markings, while sary tools to the site and commenced an excavation of the other is more elaborate with an incised chevron the shelter. As he progressed through the shelter design, outlined top and bottom by prominent stylus floor, he soon realized he was digging an occupational jabs. The rim of the first is rounded, while that of the shell deposit of former occupants. Among the crushed second is rounded with an inward slope. shell were different sized cobbles of various kinds of Although not enough sherds were present to indigenous stones. They were similar to those present reveal full contours of the pots, the 2~" pressed-out on the shore, from where they had, apparently, been collars and design treatments are quite definitely parts transported; their use is unknown. No stone chips of Stage 4 pots of about A.D. 1600. The ware has shell appeared to indicate the making of implements at the temper; is smooth inside, with smooth outside finish shelter. After digging part way into the shell-covered of constricted necks underlying the collars. No body floor, a refuse pit appeared, identified by frequent sherds are present to indicate what the outside body occurrence of whole shells in its contents: However, finish might have been. of far greater importance was recovery from the pit of a quantity of potsherds. They proved to be the partial Nearby, a crevice was noted with a sort of

- -3--- -- ..... 0 __'""'-__ ..."..,.-..=""'c""',..~,...,~=.=e2..__'""'-_....;:3, ---J

Fig. 13. CERAMIC PIPES AND POTSHERDS, Scituate Rock Shelter, about A.D. 1600. SIGNIFICANT CERAMIC PIPE RECOVERIES 51

2

L- --...... -- i '"" E :...... '" :(:...-_-"-_-'3 --'

Fig. 14. BONNY RIG CERAMIC PIPES, about A.D. 1650. adjoining shelf on the inside of a rock outcrop, which period they belong. These other pipes have shorter formed one of the walls of the shelter. Several inches stems and are smaller, while such associated evidence of humus had collected on the projecting ledge, which that exists suggests they belong to ceramic periods seemed to suggest a natural lay-away shelf for objects earlier than that of Stage 4 pottery. Therefore, it may worth preserving. Almost immediately, upon excava­ be surmised that, as the Ceramic Age progressed and tion, Scothorne's trowel struck something hard, and, potters became more skilled, larger pipes with longer after careful removal of part of the soil, a long-stem stems were sometimes successfully fabricated. Of ceramic pipe came into view. It was noted, at once, course, variations of one kind or another must always that it was soft with moisure, and wOl,lld have broken be anticipated, such as the flanged pipe bowl type of in two if lifted from the dirt. Therefore, earth and one of those from this Scituate recovery. These two pipe were taken out in one solid unit and placed in a pipes are without decoration, and reviewing the re­ container for removal from the site. port: "New England Ceramic Pipes," Bull. Mass. Arch. Soc., Vol. 22, No.1, it seems that this is usually the Continued exploration of the shelf soon uncov­ rule for New England pipes. Apparently, decoration ered a second elbow ceramic pipe with stem somewhat on the bowl of a ceramic pipe is the exception, shorter than the first. This was removed encased in although other forms of plain finished elbow pipes dirt like the first. The two were taken home and are occasionally encountered, as is shown by the thoroughly dried. After this, the dirt fell conveniently following report. away from the pipes, leaving them dried out and hard, and in perfect condition with no breaks having oc­ PART 2 curred (Fig. 13, #1,2). They are obviously handmade, In August of 1949, Mrs. Derby was driving by and expertly fashioned. The clay has shell temper, and Bonny Rig Four Corners, Becket, Massachusetts, has been well fired. The pipes have plain smooth sur­ where she noticed an industrial excavation was under faces with small stem perforations. Evidently, these way. A small pond was being made as a part of an were formed by small stick inclusions, subsequently entertainment development called, "Happy Land." In burned out in the final firing. Their bowls have com­ digging out a gravel deposit on the site, the workmen modious openings, which have been hollowed by hand had run into some artifacts. These they had tossed molding, rather than by reaming. They taper down to carelessly up with the gravel, and they were being a small opening at the bottom, which connects with examined just as Mrs. Derby stopped to see what that from the stem. was going on. CONCLUSION PART 1 Upon investigation, she discovered that several This unusual recovery is important because it artifacts, which appeared to be aboriginal, had been reveals long-stem elbow ceramic pipes being made at picked up from the gravel. However, no effort had the end of the Ceramic Age, associated as they are been made to take them out with care, so that any with Stage 4 pots of that time. Other ceramic pipes, existing associated evidence could have been missed all elbow in shape, except two straight ones, have completely. She saw no signs of a skeleton, nor bone been recovered in this area over the years, but with fragmt:nts of any kind. Furthermore, in talking with only a few exceptions, definite temporal associations the men, no' mention was made of the presence of are lacking to show to which' part of the Ceramic bones, to indicate the possibility of a human burial. Of 52 MASSACHUSETIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY course they might have been there all the same, and in different parts of the Berkshires during those years, were smashed beyond casual recognition by the dig­ and many facts about them a(e related in a previous ging machinery being used. report: "The Housatonic Indians," Bull. Mass. Arch. Soc., Vol. 19, No.3. However, since with the pipes Recovered artifacts consist of 2 large ceramic also appeared a stone Celt and probable knife blade, bowl-type elbow pipes, made for attachment of per­ it is more than likely that the date of this deposit forated wooden stems; a narrow bladed iron toma­ occurred several years before King Philip's War in hawk (solid blade with no pedoration for a handle); 1675, rather than'later, when stone tools would have stone Celt; and a chipped stone blade 4 -~" long been displaced by metal ones. Also, the iron tomahawk (knife or large spear point). Because of the interest of small proportions seems to equate better with those shown by Mrs. Derby in the recovery, she was pre­ hatchets from colonial foundries in about 1650, than sented with the 2 ceramic pipes, which are illustrated the more massive ones made earlier in Europe and (Fig. 14). Specimen #1, slightly damaged, was subse­ used in trade by the early explorers a century before. quently donated to the Bronson Museum, where it was restored and placed on display. The other one has The two pipes have similar styling with a ridge been retained by Mrs. Derby as a part of her private jutting out from the bowl in front, possibly used for a collection in Lee, Massachusetts. These elbow pipes finger grip. From this it seems probable they were are similar to the Scituate ones, in that they are large made by the same potter, as well as for the reason that and handmade, have plain smooth surfaces, but differ both have shortened stems with wide openings to in that they show no signs of temper. If temper of any receive wooden stems. This would appear to exclude kind was used, it has become fused with the clay the possibility of their source being other than that of beyond recognition. Also, they have more massive local artisans. If this is so, then it is probable they bowls and stems with thicker· wall constructiqn; have were made by aboriginal labor, because that alone shorter stems, perforated with tapering holes ~" and would have had required skill, acquired over hundreds ~" in diameter at their ends, respectively, to accommo­ of years of ceramic production: No slave labor of an date insertion of reed or wooden stems: Their large African source, even if it had existed in the Berkshires bowl apertures appear to be hand molded like those at this early date, could possibly have had the knowl­ from Scituate, and taper to a W' opening at the edge of how to prepare the clay paste, mold it into bottom, which meets a similar one from the stem. well-shaped pipes, and fire it successfully to produce All artifacts, other than the pipes, were retained the hard durable products of this Becket recovery. by other interested parties, and are not available for Furthermore, the fact that these pipes show no signs illustration. However, Mrs. Derby made careful note of temper suggests presence of superior know-how, and recorded them in her written records. She remem­ permitting satisfactory firing of possibly temper-free bers the shape of the iron hatchet as having a rela­ paste. Such knowledge has never been accorded the tively narrow cutting blade that curved gracefully to wretched African slaves sold to the colonists by Dutch a heel toward the handle side. It had a solid blade traders in the 17th century. All of this seems to point throughout without perforation for a handle, with a to a native aboriginal source for the artifacts from relatively small head. These traits seem to make it this deposit, which may have been an Indian burial. coeval with iron tomahawks of the 17th century, as Finally, the sequence noted of bowl-type ceramic made at colonial iron foundries like that at Saugus, pipes, following a time. when pipes were fired with which were used in barter with the natives. clay stems attached seems to correspond with a similar stylistic sequence noted in the manufacture of stone CONCLUSION - PART 2 pipes, from evidence appearing at the Sweet-Meadow Whatever the Bonny Rig find represents, a burial Brook site in Rhode Island. or just a cache, association of ceramic pipes with an iron tomahawk of the 17th century clearly places the Bronson Museum recovery in contact times. There were Indians living September, 1963 This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society. 53 BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CONNECTICUT SITE

BERNARD W. POWELL

A test pit in May 1959 confirmed presence of In front of the .shelter is a remnant of glacial terrace undisturbed aboriginal material at a rock shelter in formed by the Pleistocene Norwalk River. The nearest ~orwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Arrangements spot on the river today is short of a mile away. As the were therefore made with the landowner to conduct river joins Long Island Sound only 3 miles below here, full-scale, controlled excavation. it places the shelter, generally, within the southern Connecticut Littoral - and in ancient times assured In the Fall of 1961, investigations were begun and accessibility to tidal Hats (apparently confirmed by completed. This is the report on the site. quantities of marine shells at the shelter). PHYSIOGRAPHY Locally, rocks are granitoid gneisses and asso­ 0 Bitter Rock Shelter is located near 41 07' 48" ciated intrusives of the Hartland Formation (Rodgers, 0 N. lat. and 73 25' 00" W. long. as derived from the Gates, et aI, 1956). Vein quartz abounds, and there Norwalk North quadrangle map (U. S. Geological are pegmatite dikes nearby. Ground moraine covers Survey, 1947). It lies at the foot of a high cliff on the top of the ridge - but the terrace presents a nice property of Mr. Otto Bitter, in the Winnipauk section array of ice-worn quartz cobbles and other stones, of Norwalk (Fig. 15). which must have been welcome to a lithically-oriented The cliff is in a massive ridge of exposed bedrock. people.

Topography of Bitter Rock Shelter and Environs Fig. 15. 54 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

AREA HISTORY recently, he recalls a find by children of 15 to 20 Norwalk, on Long Island Sound, is like much of "arrowheads" in one spot. This I tentatively identify the surrounding region, an archaeological terra as a projectile point cache (Fig. 16, No.1). Unfor­ incognito. I find only one previous report of anthro­ tunately, no one knows where these arrowheads are pological investigation in the area (Smith, Wilbur F., today, so they cannot be assessed for style, shape, 1946), and its conclusions are irrelevant to the prob­ material, or workmanship. lems at Bitter Rock Shelter. One local resident found a full-grooved, polished The immediate area of the site is still wooded and greenstone axe about 6" long on top of the ridge. undeveloped (owing no doubt to its steep and rugged Several people recall an old man who wintered horses nature), and lies well within the settled, older part of in the shelter 50 to 60 years ago. And one resident's town. That the shelter's true nature was not recognized father, in the animal rendering business, used to pile and exploited by the uninformed in years past is one bones and carcasses "higher than the house" in the of those happy turns of fate all too infrequent in backyard. This is scarcely 200 feet from the shelter, crowded southern New England. and undoubtedly explains some osseous anomalies Interestingly, the current landowner, a man in his found here (Table 4). middle years, has lived in the vicinity all his life. His recollections seem pertinent. As a boy, he dug here for Such was the state of knowledge about the site "pirate treasure." Digging was with the hands only, prior to our excavation. No one truly suspected its and fortunately did not impair stratigraphy. No arti­ secrets, and none of the chance finds over the years facts were found then, though where he played was had aroused undue local curiosity. Its days were one of the richest areas of the site with some material doubtlessly numbered, however, for this city harbors within 6 inches of the surface (Fig. 16, No. 10). More a multitude of pothunters.

1 Proiectile Point Cache

2 Hearth-Cache

3 Dark Soil Spot

~g• 4 Deep Hearth 5 Natural Rock Trough

6 Overhung Niche

7 Locus of Small 'Cave'

8 Natural Rock Slot

9 Large Pot Rim

10 Inward Recess of Shelter

• -~-.-. Dripline *' Tree and Root System E] Rock

o I 2 3 .. ,I! !, f Scale in feet

••••••.•• . Deno'.s Overhang

7

/ Grid Plat of Bitter Rock Shelter

Fig. 16. BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CONNECTICUT SITE 55

lack.f Shelt.r -

C Aboriginal Mo,.rlal

I:y:j Subloll

~ Rock

hale In f ••'

..

." . Profile Soutih Face Trench .A. . ., . (along 5.2N line)

Note low mound

EXCAVATION AND METHOD few exceptions, were confined to the 0-3" level. Pot­ sherds were mainly confined about 18 inches. With A standard 5-foot grid oriented on 330° north the increasing depth of the deposit, as revealed in magnetic was staked out embracing all the shelter and Trench A, there appeared automatic suggestion of the slope in front of it (Fig. 16). East-west axes temporal superposition. Painstaking examination of were designated ON 5N, ION, 15N, and 20N, respec­ the vertical faces of Trench A in all lights and under tively, in terms of their distance in feet north of the all conditions did not reveal stratigraphic differentia­ datum point. North-south axes were designated tions fine enough to control digging. Resort was thus alphabetically. Square designations derive from the ~ad~ to the archaeological convention of excavating southeast corner. The datum point was chiseled per­ m 6-mch levels to preserve natural relationships. This manently into the rock face at the back of the shelter control was confirmed in later analysis of the materials wall. Map control was obtained from existing photo­ but importantly, it was related to and integrated with grammetric maps in the City Engineers' office, plus certain stratigraphic discriminations even in the field. limited plane table work at the site. Thus, we distinguished with ease in Trench A Among other statistics relating to our work at the two basic soils: 1) topsoil - the rich, black topmos~ site, possibly useful in planning future excavations, are 6" over all the shelter, and 2) subsoil - a yellow-tan the facts that we expended about 200 manhours, and soil devoid of organic staining and penetration ulti­ moved an estimated 53 tons of dirt and rock (allowing mately determined to lie everywhere at some depth 166.7 lbs ft.3 as an acceptable figure for weight°, and below the shelter. Additionally, there were two other figuring an average excavation of all squares to 18 inches). +----- datum plo"_------+ Initially, all debris, broken glass, and rusted ironmongery from recent times was removed by lightly raking the surface. It was smooth and showed no evi­ dence of prior disturbance. To guide us, and to deter­ mine vertical profile and stratigraphic relations pres­ ent, I bisected the entire deposit with a trench (Fig. 16, Trench A) down the 5.2N line. ...- ,,' It was apparent that the aboriginal material occurred at or just under the surface down to an undetermined depth. Modern contaminants, with Seele In F••t Profile Eas't Fa.ce Trench .B ·Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 32nd Edition, Chemical (along B axis) Rubber Publishing Co., Cleveland. Fig. 18. 56 MASSACHUSETTS AHCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY soil "types". One might be characterized as a sub-type Two interesting phenomena discriminated in the east of the topsoil, since it consisted of topsoil plus heavy face of this trench were trampled layers of uncon­ admixture of charcoal grains and marine shell frag­ formities in the otherwise homogenous midden soil ments. Most, but not all, artifacts were found in this soil (Fig. 18). They were thin lines of compacted shell (called midden soil, and analogous with "Aboriginal and stone flakes, all with long axes horizontal. I regard Material" in Figs. 17 and 18). The remaining soil them as ancient surfaces in the shelter, packed by the was encountered only infrequently and mainly south feet of fonner inhabitants. of the 5N axis. It was sterile and chocolate brown in After these two trenches were completed, all color. I secured good color, texture, and content squares shown in Fig. 16 were dug in uniform 6-inch matches to this minority soil by mechanically mixing levels. Space prohibits a minute description, unit by portions of topsoil and subsoil. I conclude, in fact, unit, of our finds. Our field notes on these units, how­ that this soil is just that, and probably fonned by ever, are quite complete, and record many interesting activities of subterranean rodents and root intrusions. finds and observations. It is necessary, however, to I do not regard this soil type as invalidating or even generalize somewhat, and to mention only one or two seriously challenging the profiles as we derived them, squares in particular. for the disturbance was mild and near the periphery of our plat. Interestingly, this disturbance probably All of Ledge A was ultimately exposed by strip­ transpired before the modern era, since few modern ping (Fig. 16). Here I found a peculiar bright green intrusives were associated with it. stain, perhaps 8" across, near the upper surface. The The profile of the south face of Trench A is shown in Fig. 17. Excavation was carried to fully sterile soil. Where we encountered rocks beyond the ability of three men to remove, we used a I-inch earth auger to sample beneath them. Such soundings were always sterile, so we are confident no deep cultural deposits were overlooked. As depicted in Fig. 17, a mound of subsoil rose in ancient times near the center portion of our trench. Apparently, some early occupants in the shelter car­ ried on activities just behind this low rise and in front of Ledge A. At least a zone highly charged with quartz flakes was interpreted as a stone-working sta­ tion right in front of Ledge A, and one of the most interesting finds was location in situ of a rough sand­ stone celt (Fig. 22, a) on a small rock shelf in this ledge. Archaeology is ordinarily the statistical study of remains left by anonymous populations; discovery of such a small workshop - almost certainly the abode of a solitary individual - personalizes our discipline and gives added meaning to our privileged view back through the millennia of time. Fig. 19. POTSHERDS. a, Rim, into smooth, ext. fabric-impressed, An abandoned rodent den near the junction of everted lip, cord·wrapped·stick marked edge, shell temper; b, Rim, midden soil and subsoil, contained a glass bottleneck. plain ext., incised parallel and vertical linear motif, flat lip, shell temper; c, Rim, into smooth, ext. cord-marked, cord-notched flat lip, This find helped resolve earlier anomalous finds of shell temper; d, Rim, Bowmans Brook Stamped (probable), ext. cord­ rusted wrought nails beneath sherds in the upper marked horizontal, cord-impressed flat lip, constricted neck, grit temper; e, Body sherd, ext. broadline shallow incised linear parallel, levels. frayed stick marks suggests (stick-wiping), shell temper; f, Body sherd, ext. stab-and-drag incising with hollow quill or reed, coiling indi­ On completion of Trench A, I ran another trench, cated, shell temper; g, Body sherd, ext. same as e, but chevron or Trench B, at right angles to it along the B axis (Fig. zigzag motif indicated; h, Body sherd, ext. same as e, g, but with lad· der motif; i, Body sherd, ext. same as e, g, h; j, Rim sherd, ext. same 16). The profile derived is shown in Fig. 18. In as e, g, h, i, but with cord-notched flat lip; k, Rim, into plain, ext. cord­ general, similar conditions soil-wise to the finds in marked, cord-notched flat lip, shell temper; I, Rim and Neck section (restored), into plain, ext. deep incised chevron-horizontal linear filled·in Trench A, were noted. There was slight suggestion triangular plats, constricted neck, grit temper - Middle Woodland: that certain flat rock slabs were deliberately placed Owascoid, proto-Mohawk, Townsend of Dela.; m (1-3), Body sherds, ext. cord·marked curvilinear motif, into possibly, obliterated cord· along the junction between midden soil and subsoil. marking, shell temper. BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CO ECTICUT SITE 57 stain was comparable to, but not wholly analogous with, lichens and stains on nearby rocks. It faded rapidly on exposure to light, and is mentioned since it may have been cuprous oxide from a disintegrated copper artifact. Other stains noticed on the back wall and roof of the shelter are probably smoke stains from ancient fires. Schrabisch (1909) reported this during his early researches in northern ew Jersey and nearby southern ew York. It occurred to me that such blackened rock walls may preserve micro-layers of soot, which could be interperted archaeologically. Most squares yielded stone artifacts, potsherds, and bone, shell, and stone fragments. To avoid tedious verbal treatment, the ceramic analysis is given in Table 1 and specific ceramic finds are illustrated and identified in Fig. 19. Projectile points are summarized Fig. 20. PROJECTILE POINTS. a-g, Small Triangular; h.k, Large in Table 2, and illustrated and identified in Fig. 20. Triangular (Ievanna?); I, s, Narrow Side-notched, and Straight Stem (Sma!' Stem), weakly developed base; m, Narrow Expanding Stem Artifacts and Trait Distributions are given in Table 3; (Corner-removed #3), n, 0, Concave base; p-r, Fishtail types (Eared); faunal remains appear in Table 4. In the Discussion t, Broad Corner·removed, unfinished right edge and base. section, I will integrate and interpret these finds. Nearly 5 feet beneath the surface in ION/A, and Square 10N/A proved the richest, and contained the intrusive about 1 foot into the subsoil, we found our deepest deposit (minus 58"). The appearance of this deepest cultural material. This was a crude, coarsely square on removal of the 0-6" level is shown in chipped, lunate quartz knife (Fig. 22, f), and a Fig. 21. The caption explains various points identified bifacially-Haked crude chopper (Fig. 22, e). These on the photograph. were associated with badly disintegrated charcoal

Fig. 21. SQUARE 10NIA, after removal of 6" of top soil. Fire stones indicated by white arrow were just under the surface; probably a hearth. At B, between two firestones appeared a cache, of polished celt (Fig. 22, b), abraded hematite fragment, triangular point of quartz, and a potsherd. At C is chunk of pegmatite with prominent crystals; possible associated ceremonially. Striped inch·marked arrow points north (Fig. 16, #2 for location). 58 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY grains and calcined bone flecks. One burned and semi­ calcined bone fragment was recovered, and expert a opiniona concurs that it is probably from a human b cranium. Another interesting square was 5N/B, at the intersection of our trenches. Mention was made of.the chipping station found along the front of Ledge A in this, and the adjoining square, 5N/A. Notable here were many slabs of schistose rock, at times almost interlocked like shingles. At first we thought they might be artificial, perhaps covering a burial or some other feature. But we encountered this phenomenon d 7 FLO repeatedly in the shelter, and concluded the slabs were BITTER simply frost and weather spalls from the roof. It is ROCK ,HELHR interesting, however, that slabs in this quantity and • condition are not currently forming at the surface. The Fig. 22. LITHIC ARTIFACTS. A, b, Celts, (a) sandstone, (b) basalt; occurrence of cultural refuse between and around c, Chipped Ax or Celt, (Fig. 21, B), hafting wear? (arrows); d, Notched Pendant; e, Chopper, bifaced (Oval Scraper), facet? (arrow); f, Knife many of these rocks prompted their interpretation as (Abrading-scraper), quartz with lunate edge, coarse chipping. artificial flooring, deliberately laid to promote drain­ were definitely in the subsoil. The only other identi­ age. However, we cannot demonstrate tills. Some of fiable artifacts from the subsoil were the lunate quartz these rocks, though, showed weathering and rounding knife and the flaked chopper mentioned previously which seems to imply importation to the shelter rather for the deep levels in ION/A, and they may have been than spalling in situ. intrusive as components in a cremation pit whose out­ While most cultural materiills were found either lines were not discriminated. Perhaps less than a in the topsoil, or the midden soil, it is notable that dozen white quartz flakes and amorphous chipped some were not. These included the materials in the forms came from the junction and upper six inches of deep level of ION/A as just mentioned, and a few the subsoil. There were also some black flint, red other finds from various places in the shelter. These chert, and bluish silicate flakes that may represent other finds were all made either just at junction of exotic stones. The specific loci on our grid for these midden soil and/or topsoil with subsoil (that is, lying subsoil finds are O.2N/B, 10.5N/.5A, and lON/.5C. on the top of the subsoil), or else only a short way These subsoil occurrences were concentrated at these down into the subsoil (maximum extent for one or two spots, and not randomly encountered. pieces: about 6"). Beneath this, the subsoil proved Several natural crevices and formations in the sterile in every deep sounding, which included at least Tocks lay just beyond our grid. All were investigated, two test pits, and numerous' borings. Very little material was thus so recovered. The field notes reflect "Personal communication, Dr. G. G. Goodwin, The American that only the projectile points (I) and (r) in Fig. 20 Museum of Natural History, New York.

SURFACE TREATMENT TEMPER EXCAVATED Cord Edge of Cord Smooth Fabric Net Marked Wrapped Incised LEVEL Marked? Marked Int' Ext Paddle

25.5 0 11 0-6 '.2 2.' '.3 .. • 2 0 • 17 T.t.1 94 Sherd.

6 -12 7 7 .1 .1 3.' 10.• 1 1 , 1 • 12 T.t.1 113 Shud,

12-18" 0 12.5 20.' 0 1.3 0 3 • 0 2' 1.'.1 24 She,d,

Upp., figure i. p.rcen'ile of '0'01 she,ds 'hat level; lower figure Is actual sherds

Cera~ic A.nalysis By Su.r~ace Treat~ent; and Te~per BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CONNECTICUT SITE 59

PROJ]X)TILE POINT DISTRIBUTION *

,,;$ 0$ C,<;>0~ ",0~ ~",0 ~0~ J,: ~o'" '" C;; III ')5>'0 o~ ~0~ Vertical ""~ ",,::; .,.;",'" "",.~.". / ~;<' co<

0-6 AUU2 1 10.0 5.0 J.n 6 - 12 3 2 J. S8 1 '1 15.0 10.0 5.0 5.0 35.0 1 1 1 1 4 12 - 18 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 20.0 1 1 2 18 - 24 5.0 5.0 10.0

24 - 30 1 1 5.0 5.0 30 - 36

36 - 42 1 1 2 42 - 48 5.0 5.0 10.0 1 48-54 1 5.0 5.0 '1 4 4 1 3 1 20 'rol'AlS 35.0 20.0 20.0 5.0 15.0 5.0 100.0 * top :figure is nwn!ler of specimens' lower n=e is oorcent of total' ss eauals 8ubsoil

Table 2

ARTIFACT AND TRAIT DISTRIBUTION

.<:l Cll ~ ...

18 - 24 X

24 - 30 X X X

30 - 36 X

36 - 42 X

42 -48 X X 48-54

54 - 60 X X

Table 3 60 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

INVERTEBRATE VERTEBRATE

ANIMAL REMAINS

FROM BITTER ROCK SHELTER

Depth

0-6 x X X XX XX X X X XXX 6 -12 X X X XXX X X X X X 12 -11 X X X X X X X X 11-24 X X X X X 24-30 X X X X 30-36 X X X X 36-42 X X X 42-41 41-54 X

54-60 X X

Table 4 and may be identified from Fig. 16. Perhaps one other a chance these materials may be very early, indeed. special area within the shelter deserves mention; this Byers (1958, 1959) mentions an Unspecialized Lithic is the most inward recess (Fig. 16, No. 10). Techni­ as a possible cultural phenomenon associated with sub­ cally, it too, lay beyond our grid, but it was system­ soil zones at the E. D. Prey Site, near East Killingly, atically investigated, and its contents where possible Connecticut, about 90 miles northeast of here. Ritchie related to the stratigraphy and master control of the ( 1958) reports "numerous flint rejectage" for a transi­ grid. It was a difficult spot to excavate, and in many tion zone between subsoil and later levels at his places I had to lie prone and dig with a long-handled Bannerman Site on the lower Hudson River, about 40 shovel. Naturally, control was loose, but the inventory miles northwest of here. Both these archaeologists shows the interesting notched slate pendant (Fig. 22, mark relative scarcity of recognizable artifacts with d) came from here: I suspect it was near the subsoil this material. This condition is also reminiscent of junction, but this is uncertain. Two or three unmodi­ Mianus Gorge Rock Shelter, about 12 miles northwest fied, but rounded cobbles were found deep in this of Bitter Rock Shelter (Powell, MS). If these are recess. How they came there, I do not know. Perhaps citations of genuine phenomena, then maybe the low­ they are evidence from glacial times, when topsoil had est materials in Bitter Rock Shelter are coterminous not formed; weathering had not dislodged spalls from with them. the shelter roof and walls; and ice-rafting or other Acceptance of such an Unspecialized Lithic mani­ phenomena associated with the glacial terrace in front festation for Bitter Rock Shelter, however, is tempered introduced these cobbles into this recess. by presence of some known artifacts either associated with the "unspecialized" or "rejectage" materials, or DISCUSSION closely superposed on them (Fig. 20, (1) and (r), and So much for the history, fieldwork, and recorded Fig. 22 (e)). If amorphous flakes with cutting edges finds from Bitter Rock Shelter. The problem now is to are workshop scrap of people who made the more integrate this material, relate it to relevant work in familiar items, then we can posit an Archaic group contiguous areas, and propose an interpretation of first present in Bitter Rock Shelter (Fowlero , personal prehistoric events apparently recorded here. communication, opines the early levels here are Late At some unknown point in postglacial time, the Archaic). But if the unspecialized material truly pre­ first human inhabitants chanced on the shelter (Fig. cedes the earliest bearers of an Archaic Pattern, then 23). To them are attributed a few enigmatic flakes found in the upper levels of the subsoil. There is just °Editor, Bulletin of the Mass. Arch. Soc'y BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CON ECTICUT SITE 61

Unspecialized Lithic remains as a possible explanation. eral nearby eastern New York sites (Ritchie, 1958) Unfortunately, neither our finds nor our notes from and for the Stony Brook and Wading River Sites on Bitter Rock Shelter illumine this problem further. But Long Island (Ritchie, 1959), is appearance of a we shall be especially on guard for it in future work, Lamokoid projectile point in the lower levels. The and we hope other researchers will be, too. deepest points are a slender expanding - stemmed and a slender side-notched form. Reference to Table 2 The deepest feature in the shelter - the zone of shows these narrow forms, associated by Ritchie in crusted subsoil, possible calcined human bone frag­ central and western New York with the Lamoka Cul­ ments, charcoal flecks, and associated lunate knife ture, but showing temporal persistence in the eastern and crude chopper, may suggest a cremation. Ritchie New York and Long Island sites, are similarly dis­ (1955) posits an Early Woodland Burial Cult for the tributed at Bitter Rock Shelter. The latest specimen Northeast with cremation a principle aspect. Further, occurs 6-12" deep. To the first makers of these points he sees this Early Woodland phenomenon with roots may also be attributed the workshop site and in the Archaic horizon. Robbins (1959) cites crema­ associated celt (Fig. 22, a), rough choppers and tion burials at this time level for the Wapanucket 6 unpitted hammerstones, elongate percussion flakes, Site in southeastern Massachusetts. deep stone-lined hearth, notched pendant, and mis­ On the basis of the foregoing then, I suggest cellaneous flakes and scrapers of local and perhaps presence of a very weakly developed manifestation exotic stones, all found stratigraphically in the lower falling somewhere in the Archaic. An interesting and middle portions of the midden soil. To these parallel to statistically-sharper demonstrations for sev- deeper levels, also, belong the faunal remains of

Fig. 23. BITTER ROCKSHELTER. As it may have looked in winter, about 4,000 years ago. 62 MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

turkey, bird, wolf, raccoon, and some of the deer given persistent increase with time - in keeping with prior in Table 4. Shellfish exploitation, if any, would seem demonstrations. The one anomaly in our analysis is to be evidenced only by a few recovered valves of the complete inversion of the anticipated temper ratio, for Sand Clam, some Eastern Oyster, and possibly the at Bitter Rock Shelter, the record apparently shows ubiquitous remains of the White-lipped Land-snail grit increasing in popularity with time, and shell de­ (Table 4). Incidentally, one of Ritchie's eastern New creasing. This is not in keeping with other demonstra­ York sites, the Bannerman Site, is still the only radio tions for our area known to me; I offer no explanation carbon-dated site in the lower Hudson Valley - a for it. date for an early occupancy there is given as 4,480 -+­ All sherds were examined in strong light with 300 B.P. free use of optical magnification. Shell, where present, These early and not-too-extensive occupations of was verified by fuming in dilute acid; where leached, the shelter were probably not continuous. An ash-and­ casts of shell fragments were used as the index. A charcoal-free hearth found at depth here could be small but perfect leaf imprint was noted in the interior evidence for this, since I suggest such a hearth may be of a rather flaky sherd. This is a fern pinnule, prob­ o cleaned by wind and rain when abandoned, and prior ably Osmunda. Perhaps it indicates the time of year to natural burial. Hearths with ash and charcoal, the vessel was made. however, could be evidence for deliberate covering, These woodland people were the makers and thus recording continued occupancy. Thus, there may users of most of the triangular points found in the have been unknown intervals of abandonment, during shelter. The distribution of these forms is given in which the ancient cultural patterns of the Northeast Table 2; suffice it to say their assocation with Wood­ evolved, and the ancient populations waxed and land times is well known and often demonstrated. Of waned under influence of myriad still unknown these, four may permit typing as Levanna Points factors. [Large Triangular]' per Ritchie's typology (1961), There is a time, however, rather sharply recorded common as Middle and Late Woodland manifesta­ tions, and characteristic of the Owasco. The possible in our stratigraphic column, when the Archaic Pattern Bowmans Brook Stamped vessel with Owasco vanishes and is replaced by the familiar ceramic affinities was previously mentioned. As Table 2 further evidences of Woodland times. This material is con­ suggests, the Lamokoid types continue and overlap fined mainly above 18". Elimination of degraded and with the triangular points, and there is just one repre­ too-small sherds in a field total of 600, gave a corrected total of 231 for analytical treatment, and the results sentative of a broader-bladed, corner-removed type (Fig. 20, t) which might be Laurentian in inspiration appear in Table 1. The three six-inch levels therein - all of which, while based on very limited statistical seem to record stratigraphic variation in ceramic grounds in this shelter, is in keeping with Ritchie's traits. No whole or restorable vessels were recovered, but one large pot section (Fig. 19, 1) suggests affinities general demonstrations in the lower Hudson Valley with a wide range of Middle Woodland ceramics (see ( 1958), and on Long Island (1959). caption). A rimsherd (Fig. 19, d) suggests more It remains to say that these latter Woodland specifically the type Bowmans Brook Stamped, peoples left the axe head (Fig. 22, c); polished celt thought by Smith (1950) to be associated with the (Fig. 22, b); upper stone-lined hearth with possible East River Aspect in coastal New York sometime after associated ceremonial cache; the tabular paintstone 700 A.D., and also thought by him to show affinity fragments of hematite showing abrading facets on with the Owasco Aspect in central New York. Table 1 their peripheries; human bone fragments in midden presents data mostly in keeping with similar data de­ trash; majority of the book mica fragments, if they are rived elsewhere (Smith, 1950). Briefly, my seriation not natural occurrences (Smith apparently regards shows smooth or plain surfaces increasing slightly with them as cultural associations (1950)); the polishing time; fabric-marking and net-marking always strictly and sinew stones; and the pottery. Their dietary minority wares; cord-marking on exteriors as the most preferences may reflect increased use of shellfish, with popular treatment at all levels, and indeed, consti­ addition of hard-shelled clams and mussels to previous tuting the majority ware at Bitter Rock Shelter. This remains, and many of the faunal members indicated contrasts some with demonstrated decline in time at above 18-24" in Table 4. sites in nearby coastal New York ( Smith, 1950). Apparently the shelter was abandoned forever by Interior-and-exterior cord-marking (Vinette 1 types) the aborigines in pre-Columbian times; at least no falls off in time, which is consistent with many demon­ strations for the area; edge-stamping techniques are °Personal communication, Dr. H. S. Irwin, The New York minority preferences, and incising shows a slight but Botanical Garden, New York. BITTER ROCK SHELTER: A STRATIFIED CONNECTICUT SITE 63 clear association of their artifacts with Contact items' the site, for sustained effort in the field and during was apparent. The kaolin pipe fragment, while not a artifact analysis; Mr. Otto Bitter, owner of the site, very sensitive type, can logically be placed around for many courtesies and full cooperation; Mrs. Cynthfa 1779, according to Omwake. o This is the date of a Judell, for several days voluntary fieldwork; and Revolutionary War battle less than one-half mile numerous local residents who contributed relevant away. Perhaps the pipe fragment, and some of the information. lead fragments, relate to this military event. The I also thank Mr. H. Geiger Omwake, of the Dela­ Indian Head Penny was lost sometime after 1883 on ware Archaeological Society, for an opinion on the the site, and the various tin cans, broken bottles and chronological position of the kaolin pipe fragment; Mr. rusted nails at the surface relate to times in the Everitt Stow, of the City Engineering Department, modem era. Norwalk, for permitting access to certain maps; Dr. Such then, is the physical evidence and a sug­ George G. Goodwin, The American Museum of gested interpertation of History and Prehistory in this Natural History, Department of Mammalogy, for rock shelter, as derived therefrom. osseous identifications; and Dr's. Becker and Irwin of The New York Botanical Garden, for botanical ACKNOWLEDGMENTS identifications. I thank Mr. Theodore Jostrand, my co-worker at

°Personal communication, H. Geiger Omwake, Delaware City, Norwalk, Conn. Dela. December 1963

REFERENCES CITED

BYERS, DOUGLAS S. ROBBINS, MAURICE 1958. "Two Sites in Southern New England." Bulletin of 1959. "Some Indian Burials From Southeastern Massachu­ the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Inc., Vol. setts. Part 2 - The Wapanucket BuriaIs." Bulletin XX, No.1, pp. 1-7, Attleboro. of The Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Inc., Vol. XX, No.4, pp. 61-68. Attleboro. 1959.- "The Eastern Archaic: Some Problems and Hypo­ theses." American Antiquity, Vol. XXIV, No.3, RODGERS, JOHN; GATES, ROBERT M.; CAMERON, EUGENE N.; pp. 233-256. Salt Lake City. and Ross, REUBEN J., JR. 1956. (Map) "Preliminary Geological Map of Connecticut." POWELL, BERNARD W. Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey. (MS) "The Mianus Gorge Rock Shelter." Unpublished Hartford (?) manuscript filed with the Bulletin of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology. 1960. SCHRABISCH, MAX 1909. "Indian Rock-Shelters in Northern New Jersey, and RITCHIE, WILLIAM A. Southern New York." Anthropological Papers of the 1955. "Recent Discoveries Suggesting An Early Woodland American Museum of Natural History, Vol. III. New Burial Cult in The Northeast." New York State York. Museum and Science Service, Circular 40. Albany. SMITH, CARLYLE SHREEVE 1958. "An Introduction To Hudson Valley Prehistory." 1950. "The Archaeology of Coastal New York." Anthro­ New York State Museum and Science Service, Bulletin pological Papers of the American Museum of Natural Number 367. Albany. History, Vol. 43: Part 2. New York. 1959. "The Stony Brook Site and Its Relation To Arch~ic SMITH, WILBUR F. and Transitional Cultures on Long Island." New York State Museum and Science Service, Bulletin 372. 1946. "The Quest of An Indian Garden." Bulletin of The Albany. Archaeological Society of Connecticut, Number 19, pp. 13-17. New Haven. 1961. "A Typology and Nomenclature for New York Pro­ jectile Points." New York State Museum and Science U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Service, Bulletin Number 384. Albany. 1947. Norwalk North. Sheet 6366 111 N. W. Washington. This journal and its contents may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling,loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. ©2010 Massachusetts Archaeological Society. 64 DISCOVERY: AN IMPELLING FORCE IN RESEARCH

EDITORIAL

Many collectors who join archaeological societies, method of killing mammoths and other prehistoric do so because they want to know more about the game; disposal of dead, if any; confirmation of 9,000 artifacts in their collections. Their frequent questions years ago as date when Paleo man arrived in New are: How Old are they; Who made them; and, What England; source of Hint used for most Paleo artifacts were their functions? Over the past fifteen years or during the early phase of the period. more much has been learned as a result of discoveries at sites being excavated. Most of this knowledge has In the succeeding Early Archaic era, following are already been reported in scientific journals. New mem­ some of the facts to be looked for: kind of huts used, bers of this Society are reading for the first time skin covered or otherwise; information to support reports of new finds and resultant hypotheses about 6,500 years ago as the beginning of the age; clarifica­ the people and events of prehistoric New England. tion that spears (javelin-like) were used exclusively in However, because of their recent affiliation they are hunting, and stone pointed as well as bone harpoons doubtless ignorant of much information published by for seal and other marine mammals; added evidence of the Society during preceding years. And yet, many of use of Comer-removed #5,8,9, and Bifurcated point these newcomers are anxious to carry on research in types, Channeled gouge, Ulu, and Leaf knife; kind of the hope of making important discoveries. Most join burial, if any; evidence of caribou hunting, and prob­ a Society Chapter, whose members are engaged in a able movement of hunters north out of New England site excavation. Here they are assured of coordinated following retreat of ice, tundra, and caribou; objects effort with direction of how to excavate and record showing art accomplishments, if any. their recoveries. Others prefer to undertake private The Late Archaic (Stone Bowl) exhibits many digs in some area not served by a Chapter group. In activities about which much IS still to be learned, as either case, they are to be encouraged, for much for example: confirmation of 5,000 years ago as the information is still to be dug up and reported for pub­ start of the period; origin dates of stone bowl quarry­ lication, so that knowledge may be disseminated. ing, stone pipe making, and the respective periods of When anyone starts to excavate a site, the first duration for each; spiritual beliefs, and reasons for thing that is needed is to know what to look for. After cremating their dead; extent of woodworked house­ becoming acquainted with the various types of arti­ hold eating utensils; significance of the "Thunder facts to be anticipated, the digger is next anxious to Bird" in their rituals - its origin; source and use of find out about the significance of each. Right here is Birdstone and Boatstone traits; confirmation of where reading of reports in the Society Bulletin con­ Grooved weight as a possible substitute for the plum­ cerning discoveries and postulated deductions helps to met (Clumsy type). focus the reader's attention upon important research For the last culture period, Ceramic (Woodland), being carried on in the Northeast. He is able to apply following are some of the facts yet to be established: what he reads to his own site excavating, to the end of confirmation of advent of Stage 1 pottery as A.D. 300, making it possible some day for him, also, to write a or earlier; more positive proof of various scraper uses site report for publication. Aid maybe obtained to both here and in previous ages; further proof of racial help him realize his goal from the Editor and his continuity from the preceding age; more evidence of associates. spiritual and social decline - its cause; origin of To the excavator who is searching for new dis­ ceramic pipe making; evolutionary styles of ceramic coveries, suggestions of facts and events still to be pipes; use of the Large Triangular point; method, or deduced from the evidence should serve to clarify his methods of cooking shellfish; origin of steam bathing thinking, and make his research more objective. With through use of water thrown over hot stones in this in mind, some of the many facts about prehistoric sweat huts. existence, which are as yet ill-defined, or not under­ These lists, while limited to only a few of· the stood at all, are listed as follows in cultural sequence. many facts about prehistoric living, which are needed In the Paleo period of fluted point hunters, for a fuller understanding of what went before, will information is needed regarding: type of nomadic huts serve, it is hoped, to inspire the excavator with re­ in use; work performed by gravers, scrapers, micro­ newed determination for careful recording and analy­ blade drills; reason for flutes in projectile points; sis of evidence.